In a major anti-burglary operation launched last week Sutton Police officers have already made a total of 17 arrests - 14 of them for burglary. The other arrests have been for handling stolen goods, taking and driving away a vehicle and for having an offensive weapon.

As of Tuesday 20th January (2pm), Sutton Police had charged four suspects with burglary offences - all four individuals being remanded in custody to court. Enquiries continue with the remaining suspects who are all currently on police bail.

One suspect, who was stopped by a dog handler, was found in possession of a number of mobile phones. The suspect was subsequently arrested by Sutton police officers. One of these phones rang whilst the suspect was in the custody suite - police answered and the call was from the owner wondering where his phone had gone!

‘Operation Bajith’ is running seven days a week and will run for a number of weeks. The operation includes officers from a number of different police teams including Crime Squad, Response Officers and Safer Neighbourhoods Teams.

Detective Inspector Jim Bennett urged residents to take a few simple security steps to discourage opportunist criminals. He said many burglaries happen because criminals are prepared to chance their luck at a property that appears unoccupied and insecure - in many cases thieves simply walk in through unlocked doors or climb through open windows.

“If you see anyone acting suspiciously by hanging around in the street, particularly at the front or back of properties, then please call police immediately on 999,” said DI Bennett.

Sutton Crime Prevention Officer PC Pat Simcox advised householders with UPVC doors to use their key to lock their doors even when they are inside their homes - to prevent an intruder from opening their door via the letterbox.